Models, Toys, Dolls & Games

Collecting toys will undoubtedly evoke nostalgic memories of a long-gone childhood – from die-cast models (including Dinky Toys and Corgi), model railways, toy soldiers, dolls, teddies, games and general juvenilia, such as Meccano and LEGO, there is wealth of choice in this collecting area.


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Liner lined up as part of Bassett-Lowke model boats collection coming up at auction

24 March 2025

A single-owner private collection of pre-Second World War Bassett-Lowke maritime electric, motor, clockwork and live steam model boats is for sale on April 11-12.

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Lehmann Lo & Li on a high at fives times the low estimate

24 March 2025

One of the rarest and most colourful Lehmann toys put in a bright performance at Special Auction Services.

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Mickey Mouse figure from the early days of Disney marketing

24 March 2025

The Disney character was one of the first examples of using merchandise for promotion and early items are sought after by collectors

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Very special Corgi James Bond submersible car surfaces

24 March 2025

When it comes to collectables, the 007 films are on a level of their own. So much so in fact, that a Surrey auction house stages a dedicated sale.

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Triang Minic LMS railway van delivers a strong result at auction

23 March 2025

This tinplate, clockwork Triang Minic post-war LMS railway van 80M hammered at 10 times the low estimate in the Vectis auction on March 4.

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German toys collection comes full of character

17 February 2025

A gentleman (Dukatenscheißer) with his trousers pulled down excreting a gilt metal coin from his bottom or a composition nodder of a grotesque women beating a child might not be for everyone.

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Magic Mini and a magnificent ark star in US salerooms

17 February 2025

Candy and Andy were just like any other children in the late 1960s, except that they lived with two pandas called Mr and Mrs Bearanda and owned a Mini called Stripey.

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Vendor probably over the moon with Vichy price

17 February 2025

The top lot in Potter & Potter’s (25% buyer’s premium) latest Wunderkammer Sale was Gustave Vichy’s (1839-1904) 'Aubade a la lune' (Serenade to the Moon) mechanical automaton. It is considered a signature model of the firm.

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Bidders figure out rarity of Palitoy Action Force group with provenance to designer

10 February 2025

Palitoy was a major player in the British toys scene.

22Jan 18

Matchbox wreck truck towed away by determined bidder for hefty £11,000 hammer price

29 January 2025

Mass-produced toys need to have something special to rise above the norm when it comes to auction value. A Matchbox vehicle offered at Teesside saleroom Vectis certainly fitted that bill.

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Tinplate toys take impressive five-figure prices

27 January 2025

Well-funded bidders joined the fray at the recent sale of tinplate toys held by Hohenstaufen (24.5% buyer’s premium) in Göppingen. The two top lots were very different but brought equally impressive results.

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Chess bidders make moves for early Staunton set and medieval piece

27 January 2025

Full array sells for £26,000 while single lot hammers at £6500 as enthusiasts compete in salerooms

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Sad to part with a teddy bear collection but happy at the result

20 January 2025

Private British buyers dominated proceedings as the Teddy Bears of Witney went under the hammer at Special Auction Services (20% buyer’s premium) in Newbury.

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No 1 Barbie in swimsuit bidder takes the plunge at £7000

20 January 2025

The highlight of an extensive selection of Barbie dolls offered at Wessex Auction Rooms (19% buyer’s premium) proved to be, as predicted, an example of the very earliest produced.

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Thunderbirds are going, going, gone at auction

13 January 2025

A rare group of Fairylite Thunderbirds action figures sold for £2100 in Tennants’ (24% buyer’s premium) latest Toys, Models, Collectables & Sporting sale.

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American touches catch the eye as German toy loco steams into sale

13 January 2025

Although made in Nuremberg by a firm named after a Frenchman, the cowcatcher on the front of this Gauge 1 toy locomotive gives the game away as to the intended market.

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The Noah’s Ark animals came in two by two – until there were an astonishing 115 pairs of them

16 December 2024

The production of carved and painted pine toys in Erzgebirge, Bavaria, became a thriving cottage industry.

Mr. Joy's Surprise

Queen Anne child’s wardrobe brings Joy at London Art Week

06 December 2024

The gravestone of Edmund Joy in Barton Turf church, Norfolk reveals that he died in 1744 and is the only clue to who may have made this unusual work

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Pick of the Week: Bond girl Kissy is the main attraction in doll form

02 December 2024

It was overshadowed by the James Bond doll when it was released in 1966 and was granted a shorter production run, but the Kissy Suzuki doll from the film 'You Only Live Twice' was star of the show at C&T Auctioneers.

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Tarot cards sell for more than foreseen

02 December 2024

A rare set of Belgian tarot cards, c.1750, came from the Estate of Christopher Rayner, long-standing member of the International Society of Playing Cards and at various times secretary, chairman, vice-president and president of the society.

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